2016 Three Sticks Gaps Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.70, 485 cases, $70. Released August 14, 2018. An estate vineyard owned and farmed by Price Family vineyards & Estates, acquired in 20123. 138.6 planted acres, 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay. Vineyard is located on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain at an elevation of 300 to 800 feet. The soil is well-drained loam and clay loam. Clones in this wine are “828,” 115, a Swan selection and a Rochioli selection of Pommard clone. 24% whole cluster. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 52% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black fruits, fertile earth and mulch. A flood of eye-popping, dark purple and blackberry fruits greets the palate. Oak is evident upon opening, but integrates nicely when the wine was tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The tannins are gracious, the texture is plush and seamless, and the finish is fruit-saturated. Not quite as big as the Walala Vineyard bottling, but still desirable. Score: 93. Reviewed February 3, 2019

Winery: Three Sticks Wines
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay